Since the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) published TxDOT’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategic Plan, significant changes have occurred in the capabilities and use of AI throughout industry and within TxDOT. This past year saw a rise in agentic AI along with broad use of AI coding capabilities. Additionally, Gov. Greg Abbott signed the Texas Responsible Artificial Intelligence Governance Act (TRAIGA) into law on June 22, 2025, outlining important statutory requirements for TxDOT’s AI use. Within TxDOT, successful pilots and deployment of AI tools are continually shifting the use of AI from an experimental tool to an embedded foundational technology that enhances safety, improves speed and efficiency, and saves money.

“TxDOT is ahead of the curve to be in compliance due to our strong technology governance processes,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. “Our goal is to ensure TxDOT remains at the forefront of innovation while upholding our commitment to ethical and responsible AI adoption.”

This year is a pivotal year for TxDOT’s AI adoption. Success will require:

Today, AI is leveraged for strategic decision-making, faster data processing, and efficient workflow execution, all with a human in the loop.

This 2026 update establishes a comprehensive and strategic approach designed to position AI as a force multiplier, supporting TxDOT’s core objective of providing a safe and reliable transportation system for Texas. By integrating rigorous governance, advanced data architectures, and strategic operational models, TxDOT is aligning with top industry standards in AI-enabled infrastructure management.